Courses
(This list of courses may not be up to date. Please see the latest General Catalog for a complete list of current courses.)
PSYC 001. Orientation to the Psychology Major. 1 Unit. This is a 1-credit seminar designed to familiarize students with the psychology major at the University of the Pacific. The logic and basic elements of the psychology curriculum will be reviewed, and students will be introduced to each of the faculty members in the psychology department. Additionally, the seminar will review several foundational skills necessary for success as a psychology major, including, but not limited to study skills, professional and ethical behavior, and time management. The class is for beginning Psychology majors only. Prerequisite: Psychology major.
PSYC 002. Professional Development in Psychology. 1 Unit. This is a 1-credit seminar designed to familiarize psychology majors with various professional issues related to the field of psychology, including preparation for graduate school and career. Prerequisites: PSYC 001; Psychology major; Senior standing.
PSYC 015. Cognitive Psychology. 4 Units. Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of mental processes, that is, how the mind works (and sometimes fails to work). This course focuses on the way perceptual information enters the mind and the role of attention in selecting or filtering incoming sensory information. It examines the ways in which knowledge is organized in memory, how new information is added to memory, and how old information is retrieved. We will study how language is represented in the mind, how it is comprehended and how it is produced. We will examine how knowledge is transformed and/or applied through reasoning and decision-making, and how well we can assess our own cognitive processes and abilities. Throughout the course, we will discuss the importance of theories of cognitive processes and their role in understanding and predicting behavior
PSYC 017. Abnormal and Clinical Psychology. 4 Units. This course covers the history of mental health and mental health diagnoses; past and current research findings, and prevailing thoughts and current controversies in the field of mental health and treatments. Recommended for freshman and sophomores. (DVSY, ETHC, GE1A)
PSYC 029. Developmental Psychology. 4 Units. This course provides an overview of the growth and change that occurs in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains across the life span. Current theory and findings from empirical research are highlighted. Recommended for sophomores. (GE1A)
PSYC 031. Introduction to Psychology 4 Units. This course is an introduction to the major fields within psychology. Topics include: 1) experimental methods in psychology, 2) physiological psychology, 3) sensation and perception, 4) psychology of learning, 5) memory, 6) cognition and language, 7) cognitive abilities, 8) motivation and emotion, 9) human development, 10) personality, 11) abnormal psychology and treatment of mental illness, and 12) social psychology. This is required for psychology majors; it is recommended for freshman year. (GE1A, PLAW)
PSYC 053. Behavior Psychology I 4 Units. This course provides an introduction to the science and application of basic behavioral principles. Students learn about approaches to behavioral observation, measurement of behavior, gathering and analyzing of data using single subject designs, and the application of behavior change principles to oneself and society.
PSYC 066. Human Sexuality 4 Units. This course is the study of the biological, psychological and cultural bases of human sexual behavior. Topics include female and male sexual anatomy and physiology, love and communication, sexual behavior patterns, homosexuality and bisexuality, contraception, pregnancy and childbirth, sexual difficulties and sex therapy as well as sexually transmitted diseases. The course also examines changes in sexual functioning throughout the life span and it explores the development of male and female gender roles and the effect of gender roles on various aspects of life. This course is open to freshmen but does not count toward major. (GE1A, GEND)
PSYC 069. Social Psychology. 4 Units. Social psychology is the scientific study of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals in social situations. This course examines the theories, research, and applications of social psychology. Specific topics to be covered include: self-awareness, self-esteem, self-deception, the power of first impressions, nonverbal communication, stereotypes and prejudice, interpersonal attraction, love and romantic relationships, altruism, aggression, conformity, obedience, persuasion and propaganda, leadership, and group behavior and decision-making. Throughout the course, these topics will be discussed as they inform us about human behavior in domains such as politics, sports, entertainment, health, education, advertising, and law.
PSYC 079. Sensation and Perception. 4 Units. This course is an introduction to human sensory systems and perception. Building upon a detailed analysis of visual processing, students explore through lecture, readings, demonstrations, case studies, and investigations how scientists research the various sensory systems and how they shape our experience of, and interaction with the world. This draws on diverse fields such as biology, physics, philosophy and art in addition to psychology. This course is open to all students. (GE3C)
PSYC 087. Internship. 1-4 Units. This internship course gives experiences in a work setting, and is contracted on an individual basis. Students may register for only one course listed below in any semester and may receive no more than four units of credit for any of these courses. Pass/no credit is the only grading.
PSYC 087A. 1-4 Units.
PSYC 089. Practicum 1-4 Units. The practicum offers non-classroom experiences in activities related to the curriculum under conditions that is determined by the appropriate faculty member. Students may register for only one course listed below in any semester and may receive no more than four units of credit for any of these courses. Pass/no credit is the only grading.
PSYC 101. Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I. 5 Units. This course is the first course in a two-course sequence required for the psychology major. This course will teach the student how to design, complete, analyze, interpret, and report empirical research used to test hypotheses derived from psychological theory or its application, and to be able to critically evaluate scientific research produced by others. Prerequisite: Fundamental Math Skills requirement. (GE3B)
PSYC 102. Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology II. 5 Units. This course is the second course in a two-course sequence required for the psychology major. This course will teach you how to design, complete, analyze, interpret, and report empirical research used to test hypotheses derived from psychological theory or its application, and to be able to critically evaluate scientific research produced by others. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a "C-" or higher.
PSYC 115. Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology. 4 Units. This course will focus on the in-depth exploration of one topic area within the field of cognitive psychology, with the specific topics varying by semester. This will be done through the reading and discussion of empirical research and review papers, and by conducting original research on the topic. Prerequisites: PSYC 015, PSYC 102 with a C- or better.
PSYC 117. Advanced Lab in Clinical Psychology. 4 Units. This course is intended to give students a broad overview of the field of clinical psychology as well as experience grappling with some of the current controversies in the field. This course will cover the following topics as they relate to clinical psychology and clinical psychologists. Contemporary activities, employment settings, and subspecialties; foundations and early history; recent history; research design with a focus on single subject designs; major theoretical orientations (with a focus on behavioral and cognitive behavioral orientations); diagnoses, the DSM, and current controversies regarding both; psychological assessment including interviewing, observing behavior, cognitive and neuropsychological assessment tools; basic counseling skills and techniques; therapy interventions; ethical standards and guidelines; science and pseudoscience in clinical psychology; and, suggestions for those considering a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or a master's degree in counseling, family therapy, or social work. The course includes a lab component during which students will explore several of these topics in greater depth. Prerequisites: PSYC 017, PSYC 053, PSYC 102 with a C- or better, or permission of instructor.
PSYC 118. Advanced Lab in Child Clinical Psychology. 4 Units. This lab is a more in depth look at topics within the field of clinical child psychology. Each time the course is taught, a specific topic of study such as parenting, child mental health, etc., will be the focus. The course relies heavily on becoming aware of the available research within the field of Clinical Child Psychology as well as more effectively accessing and understanding research in general. Experiential opportunities will be included. Prerequisites: PSYC 017, PSYC 102 with a C- or better.
PSYC 125. History and Systems of Psychology. 4 Units. This senior capstone course traces the development of "modern psychology" from its birth in early philosophy to its founding as an independent discipline in the late 1800s to its current status with an emphasis on modern behaviorism and cognitive psychology as the two dominant theoretical systems in psychology. In addition, other modern developments such as evolutionary psychology and cognitive neuroscience are discussed. The course focuses on specific content areas and ideas in psychology and the individuals who are most credited with their development. Prerequisites: PSYC 105 and or permission of instructor. Junior standing. The course is required for psychology majors and it is recommended for the senior year.
PSYC 129. Advanced Lab in Developmental Psychology. 4 Units. This course provides a survey of methods, theories, and findings most relevant to the contemporary study of human development. Major emphasis is placed on current directions in developmental research. Course content focuses on either an age period (e.g., early childhood, adolescence) or a topical area (e.g., emotional development, social relationships) to illustrate contemporary research questions about development and the methods used to address them. Observations may be required as part of a research project. Prerequisites: PSYC 029, PSYC 102 with a C- or better. (DVSY, ETHC)
PSYC 153. Advanced Lab in Behavioral Psychology. 4 Units. This course focuses on both experimental and theoretical developments related to the study of learning and behavior, with an emphasis on applications of the basic principles of learning to understand issues of social significance. Topics include altruism, behavioral economics, behavioral research methods, choice, cooperation, concept formation, culture, drug use and abuse, free will, language, and self-control. Experimental methods and analyses are emphasized. A good understanding of Pavlovian and operant conditioning is necessary for this course. Prerequisites: PSYC 053, PSYC 102 with a C- or better.
PSYC 158. Behavioral Assessment 4 Units. An overview of behavioral assessment techniques is examined. Specific topics include data collection, inter-observer agreement, social validity, treatment integrity, functional assessment, stimulus preference assessment, indirect assessment techniques, and functional analysis procedures. Prerequisites: PSYC 053 and permission of instructor
PSYC 162. Ethical Behavior. 4 Units. This course will cover professional conduct and ethical behavior within the broad discipline of psychology, as well as the specific ethical and professional guidelines for the Behavior Anaysis Certification Board (BACB®). This course addresses ethical decision-making, regulatory standards, and professional behavior in assessment, treatment, and research, in a variety of settings. Although this course will encompass a variety of disciplines and settings within psychology, primary attention will be given to those disciplines intersecting with the practive of applied behavior analysis and on those settings in which behavior analysts in practice are most likely to operate. Topics include accountability, confidentiality and informed consent, quality of services, quality of life, emergency management, research and academic settings, professional collaborations, boundaries, cultural competence, and ethical safeguards. Prerequisites: Junior standing or higher and permission of the instructor.
PSYC 169. Advanced Lab in Social Psychology. 4 Units. Social psychology is the scientific study of the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals in social situations. This advanced seminar is intended for students who have successfully passed PSYC 101 and PSYC 102 (with at least a C-), who have passed PSYC 069 (with a least a C-), and for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of major issues in the field. In this advanced topics course, we will read and discuss classic and contemporary theory and research in social psychology, with special attention given to how ideas develop. We will also choose one particular topic in social psychology to explore deeply. During this course you will also design and put into action a strategy that aims to eradicate a specific problem or enhance the quality of life on campus. Prerequisites: PSYC 069, PSYC 102 with a C- or better.
PSYC 183. Research Design 4 Units. This course is the design and analysis of research using single subject and group designs. Prerequisite: PSYC 105 and permission of instructor
PSYC 187. Internship. 1-4 Units. This internship course gives experiences in a work setting and is contracted on an individual basis. PSYC 187 represents advanced internship work that involves increased independence and responsibility. Students may register for only one course listed below in any semester and may receive no more than four units of credit for any of these courses. Pass/no credit is the only grading.
PSYC 189. Practicum. 4 Units. The practicum offers non-classroom experiences in activities related to the curriculum under conditions that is determined by the appropriate faculty member. PSYC 189 represents advanced practicum work which involves increased independence and responsibility. Students may register for only one course listed below in any semester and may receive no more than four units of credit for any of these courses. Pass/no credit is the only grading.
PSYC 189A. Applied Psychology Practicum. 4 Units. Students will acquire skills necessary to the application of principles of general psychology to solve personal, organizational and social problems while serving as assistants to faculty and professional psychologists.
PSYC 191. Independent Study. 1-4 Units.
PSYC 195. Seminar. 4 Units.
PSYC 197. Independent Research. 1-4 Units.